Last.fm Outlines Key Changes, No More Free Radio in the Desktop Client

Starting in January, Last.fm will pull the plug in most countries.

Significant changes are headed to Last.fm, depending on where you live. Effective January 15, 2013, the Last.fm desktop client will no longer stream free radio in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. You'll still be able to listen to ad-supported free radio, but it will have to be done in a browser; only subscribers will be able to stream through the desktop client.

"We are also about to launch a new, modernized desktop client (currently in Beta) with a vastly improved interface and support for more of Last.fm’s features," Last.fm said. "Our desktop client remains the best way to scrobble, and all desktop features other than radio are free."

In Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Brazil, there will be no significant changes to the service. In all other countries, Last.fm is closing shop and will no longer offer a radio service of any kind, even to subscribers. Last.fm said the changes are "in response to various factors that affect" its business, and also "due to licensing restrictions," but did not elaborate.